Amber heat alerts spread across the UK as temperatures set to hit 35C
People across large parts of the UK are facing another punishing spell of heat, with amber and yellow heat health alerts now in force as
People across large parts of the UK are facing another punishing spell of heat, with amber and yellow heat health alerts now in force as the country endures its fourth widespread heatwave of the year. The hottest areas are forecast to reach 35C on Wednesday. Very quickly, the pressure rises.
Temperatures are expected to climb sharply across southern and eastern England, with heat also pushing into parts of the Midlands. Eastern areas of Wales could edge into heatwave criteria too. The hot spell is forecast to peak on Wednesday before easing for many by Thursday, though conditions will stay well above average into the weekend.
Heat moving north from North Africa
The surge is being driven by a plume of intense heat moving north from North Africa. That same air mass has already sent temperatures soaring in parts of Iberia and France, and it is now reaching the UK. In the hottest places, readings of 30-35C are expected on Wednesday.
The UK Health Security Agency has issued amber heat health alerts for the East Midlands, the East of England, London and the South East. Yellow alerts are also in force in other areas. The warnings are aimed at flagging the strain hot weather can put on health services and vulnerable people. For many households, the main concern is simple. Staying cool. Staying hydrated. Getting through the day.
Drought adds to the strain
The heatwave comes as dry conditions deepen across England. On Wednesday, the Environment Agency declared an official drought for more than half of England, citing the summer’s relentless heat and a significant lack of rainfall. The combination is putting extra stress on water supplies and on land already parched by weeks of above-average temperatures.
Though the current heatwave is expected to break quickly for many places on Thursday, the wider pattern remains sticky. Mid- to high-20s Celsius are set to linger into the weekend, keeping the UK warmer than usual even after the peak has passed. The country has had no real escape from the summer heat yet. And for some regions, it is not over.
